Sister Lily Is No Ordinary Person

Su Li's face flushed slightly as she said, "I don't think that far ahead. I just hope to help the poor rise up within my abilities, so more people can live good lives."

Xiao Zetian pulled Su Li closer and lowered his voice, "The court is full of corrupt officials who only care about their own interests and ignore the people's welfare. Your sincere and pure heart is especially rare and precious."

Su Li blushed and said, "I'm just building a school, it's not as grand as you say."

"My words are poor; I probably can't express even a fraction of how wonderful you are," Xiao Zetian said with deep feeling. Having such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?

Not far away, several elderly men in simple robes blended into the crowd, quietly observing everything about Haizi School. Seeing the bright and prosperous scene, the leading elder stroked his beard, showing a look of appreciation.

This elder was none other than Dean Gu of Wutong Academy.

Dean Gu said to Mr. Zhuge beside him, "Look at Su girl, she has so many ideas—thinking of scholarships, unheard of before."

Mr. Zhuge, wearing a plain gray robe, nodded, "Yes, that scholarship system is fresh. Good students get free board and lodging plus bonuses. It really motivates people."

Mr. Zhuge laughed, "See? I told you Su girl is not ordinary."

Mr. Zhuge agreed, "Of course she's not ordinary. With her mastery of mathematics, how could she be? Last time at my small courtyard, the math theories she spoke of were extremely profound, things I'd never heard before!"

Dean Gu hummed and said, "When I returned to Wutong Academy, I called the best mathematics teachers, but none could answer Su girl's questions. She's too skilled in math, a pity she's a woman, otherwise..."

Dean Gu didn't finish his sentence. Mr. Zhuge glanced at him, stroked his beard, and thought to himself: Lord Gu, you've been itching and tempted, so you specially came to see Su Li's school open!

As Dean Gu and Mr. Zhuge talked, they saw Su Li and her large group standing out prominently from afar.

Dean Gu immediately noticed Xiao Zetian beside Su Li but showed little surprise in his eyes.

Originally, Dean Gu knew Xiao Zetian was recuperating in the countryside and refused to return to court. There were rumors that Xiao Zetian was infatuated with a woman. At that time, Dean Gu sneered at him—how could a mighty war god general be held back by a woman?

But later, upon learning that the woman was Su Li, a culinary prodigy with profound math skills, Dean Gu was less surprised.

A rare woman like Su Li, it was understandable that Xiao Zetian was fascinated by her.

Dean Gu was lost in thought when suddenly he felt a sharp gaze piercing him. He looked up and saw Xiao Zetian's dark eyes.

Xiao Zetian quietly stared at Dean Gu. In the silent air, the two exchanged glances. One was a literary official, the other a military general; one old, one young—both powerful figures quietly observing each other.

Finally, Dean Gu greeted Xiao Zetian from afar with a respectful salute. Xiao Zetian's sharp gaze softened instantly, returning the gesture with a friendly look. Then he acted as if nothing had happened and continued to stay by Su Li's side.

From the crowd, a chubby little child ran over, forehead sweaty, and crisply said to Su Li, "Sister Li, the village chief says the ceremony is about to start. Please come over!"

Then he turned to Zhang Mu and said, "Chief Zhang, the village chief wants you to speak on stage soon. Get ready."

Zhang Mu laughed, "Alright!"

Behind the group, Qin Sanniang, holding Zhang Zhuzi's arm, looked disdainfully at Zhang Mu from afar: "You think you're so proud? Wait and see when you won't be smiling!"